Even the most modern TV, due to its specific design, cannot produce clear, deep sound. Regular speakers for a simple stereo system will sound much better than built-in speakers. So the question of good acoustics for a TV remains open. Most likely, you’ll have to choose between a home theater and a soundbar.
We have already mentioned that in some cases, a soundbar can be a better solution than multi-component systems. In small apartments and rooms up to 320–540 sq. ft. (30–50 m²), a soundbar can satisfy even the most demanding audiophile. This is not surprising, since the device was originally conceived as an add-on to a TV, significantly improving sound quality.
What is a soundbar? It is an acoustic monoblock with built-in drivers. Their number can vary from a few to several dozen. A soundbar is a full-fledged replacement for bulky speakers, capable of reproducing surround sound at the level of a home theater. At the same time, it is compact enough not to take up much space.
Soundbars can be either quite simple, needed only to amplify TV sound, or multifunctional stereo systems with powerful multi-channel audio and the ability to connect any devices via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
In this article, we have compiled the best soundbars of 2026. During the selection process, we focused on the audio system’s price, sound, functionality, and customer reviews. We hope this information will be useful and help you choose the perfect soundbar for your TV.
Top 10 Audio Systems
- EvoSound Bar
- Sonos Playbar
- Denon DHT-S514
- Canton DM 55
- Yamaha YSP-5600
- LG SJ3
- Onkyo LS-7200
- Samsung HW-Q60R
- SONY HT-NT3
- Philips B5
EvoSound Bar
EvoSound was created after thorough market research on karaoke acoustic systems. Coming to the paradoxical conclusion that despite the abundance of audio systems, none of them fully met the sound quality requirements for karaoke systems, Studio Evolution released an audio system featuring the world’s first karaoke soundbar. The tight integration with karaoke systems is evident right on the soundbar’s remote control: the main karaoke microphone control buttons are placed directly on it. Vocals with EvoSound sound deep and natural, accurately capturing every note of the voice.
Even though EvoSound was primarily developed for karaoke enthusiasts, it will also perfectly suit your other needs. The 14 drivers on the soundbar and the powerful SE 08 SW subwoofer open up the sound in the room to 270°. There is so much sound that you can physically feel its density. This effect is especially noticeable when watching movies, perfectly conveying the atmosphere and dynamics of the scene. Moreover, the length of the soundbar is perfectly suited for TVs of any diagonal, even over 60 inches.
Among other features, it is worth noting the simultaneous connection of multiple devices. For example, IPTV and a gaming console. Switching between them happens in one click without delays. The soundbar also supports connecting any devices via Bluetooth and playing audio from memory cards.
For a price slightly above average, EvoSound offers the widest possible functionality of a premium audio system; high-class, high-quality surround sound; integration with karaoke systems, as well as several housing color options to match your apartment’s interior.
Sonos Playbar
The California-based company Sonos offers a truly unique home solution. The Sonos Playbar soundbar serves as the foundation for your future audio ecosystem, which can be expanded almost infinitely thanks to cloud technologies. All devices that support Sonos cloud technology, whether speakers, a recorder, or a subwoofer (which is not included by default), complement and expand the soundbar’s capabilities.
Essentially, the Sonos Playbar is an innovative smart home solution that allows for unique results in sound experiments. For example, in setting up a multiroom system where the music follows you throughout the apartment.
The price of the soundbar is noticeably high, but you have to understand that you are paying not so much for the device itself as for the technologies and capabilities it offers.
Denon DHT-S514
The name of the Japanese company Denon is well-known to connoisseurs of high-quality audio systems. Founded by American-born Whitney Horn back in 1910, Denon has been creating professional-grade musical equipment for over 100 years, earning a reputation as a manufacturer of high-end audio gear.
From such a company, you expect crystal-clear sound at the very least, and the Denon DHT-S514 fully meets expectations. It is an excellent soundbar for watching movies. Denon perfectly delivers the three-dimensional sound of movies and fully reveals the audio with all its nuances. However, when playing music, the soundbar can make some tracks brighter and sharper than they were originally recorded.
The price tag of the Denon DHT-S514 is justifiably above average. It is a very worthy home audio system.
Canton DM 55
The German company Canton knows perfectly well how to make great audio systems. Rich, clear sound is a hallmark of all the company’s products, which are highly rated by audiophiles. The budget-friendly DM 55 soundbar is a monoblock with a built-in subwoofer, guaranteeing good sound for your favorite movies, but for more power and volume, you will need to connect an external subwoofer.
The sound is complemented by a stylish cabinet, built sturdy and reliable. However, the cabinet of the Canton DM 55 is also its weak point. Designed as a TV stand, it noticeably limits the installation options for the audio system and requires additional positioning adjustments in the room.
The below-average price for such a device feels pleasant and fair. The Canton DM 55 doesn’t reach for the stars, but it certainly holds its own. It is a solid mid-range performer for a small apartment, serving as a worthy alternative to inexpensive home theaters.
Yamaha YSP-5600
The Yamaha YSP-5600 is one of the best soundbars on the market, despite being released back in 2016. It was originally intended as a home multimedia center, which explains the 4 HDMI ports and a separate HDMI ARC port.
In terms of sound, the Yamaha YSP-5600 will undoubtedly be among the leaders in any soundbar rating. 44 drivers, 12 of which point at the ceiling to create a reflected sound effect, guarantee powerful music reproduction. The soundbar also knows how to account for furniture placement, height, and its own position for the best surround sound.
Nevertheless, for the soundbar to sound its best, you will need to separately purchase a subwoofer and an adapter, doubling the cost of the acoustics. For many, the price of the full set might simply be unaffordable.
LG SJ3
The LG SJ3 is a budget soundbar for those who lack sufficient volume when watching a movie. Generally, it should be viewed strictly as a TV extension. The LG SJ3 makes no grander claims, but it handles its minimum requirements perfectly.
The audio system has decent bass, not least thanks to the external subwoofer. You won’t be singing karaoke at a home party with it, but for an evening TV series, it’s a great and inexpensive option.
Onkyo LS-7200
If you want powerful, atmospheric sound while watching your favorite movie, to plunge into the thick of historical battle scenes, clearly hear the clank of every sword, and catch the quietest breaths of the characters, the Onkyo LS-7200 is your choice.
This is an acoustic system designed primarily for superb cinematic sound reproduction, capable of replacing a home theater in small rooms. The soundbar works via a wireless connection, sparing you from wires underfoot, and supports connecting several devices simultaneously.
The device’s functionality is very broad. You can use it to listen to music on favorite online services like Spotify, and even such an exotic feature for soundbars as radio. At the same time, you can’t listen to music from a flash drive due to the lack of USB ports.
The cost of the Onkyo LS-7200 is above average. For its sound and capabilities, it offers a good price/quality ratio.
Samsung HW-Q60R
The Samsung HW-Q60R audio system solves the problem of good TV sound in rooms up to 215–270 sq. ft. (20–25 m²). Clear sound, a strong but not overly pronounced bass, and excellent high-frequency processing will surely appeal to movie fans and gamers who want to fully immerse themselves in the game’s atmosphere.
It’s worth noting the acoustic beam technology, thanks to which the sound plays right where a specific action happens on the TV. Like other similar soundbars, the Samsung HW-Q60R offers an alternative to home theaters and is mostly designed for cinematic surround sound.
Many users note that for TVs over 55 inches, the soundbar is a bit too short, and in some scenes, it shows. Also, some people miss having USB ports. But for a below-average price, you probably shouldn’t expect the most extensive functionality. Especially since the Samsung HW-Q60R soundbar truly sounds good.
SONY HT-NT3
SONY is no newcomer to the audio systems market, and although less active in recent years, it still knows how to surprise. The HT-NT3 is proof of this. The small, compact soundbar with a wireless subwoofer features pleasantly clear sound, good bass, is easily wall-mounted, and will satisfy the demands of most movie buffs and audiophiles.
Watching TV or listening to music with such a device is a real pleasure. The sound softly envelops you from all sides, plays evenly, precisely matching the action on the screen. Don’t expect any extraordinary revelations. It’s a standard, high-quality Japanese audio system for your TV and home.
The SONY HT-NT3’s average price also includes a modern design that will perfectly fit into any interior.
Philips B5
The Philips B5 rightfully enters the ratings of the best soundbars. The audio system reproduces sound softly, without distortion. It has good “bass,” making the sound voluminous and balanced. However, the advantages of this soundbar lie not in its sound, but in the interesting engineering idea of adding two detachable wireless speakers. They can be placed on either side of the listener to achieve a semblance of home theater “surround” sound.
The speakers have decent battery life. You can take them outdoors, connect them to a laptop or a smartphone. The soundbar can also independently analyze the room and calibrate the surround sound accordingly, which will undoubtedly appeal to those who hate messing around with settings.
For a soundbar priced below average, the Philips B5 has good sound and a lot of cool features. For instance, it quickly connects via NFC to a smartphone and plays your favorite music from the device.
Summary
The rating was compiled considering the soundbars that are currently on the market and occupy the top lines in audio system sales lists, both in the premium segment and among budget models.
Unfortunately, none of the companies offer a modern audio system at an adequate cost that could satisfy the demands of vocalists. Often, the latter are forced to compromise: either bulky, expensive stage equipment or a soundbar unable to handle peak loads during a performance.
The only option for karaoke enthusiasts remains the EvoSound audio system, with which you get a versatile home acoustic setup for movies, music, and karaoke parties.
